Hard Hat Colour Codes in Construction: What Do They Mean?

The idea of using hard hat colour codes to signal different qualifications or experience levels has existed in the industry for a while. It’s one of many safety initiatives championed by industry representatives to protect workers.

The previous colour codes system wasn’t the easiest to use, however. It was built around seven colours. In the best conditions, it’s tricky to remember how seven different colours correspond with seven different disciplines. Imagine trying to do that in a high-pressure situation.

So Build UK, the largest representative organisation for the UK construction industry, overhauled the system and introduced a simplified version. The new colour safety rules are now built around four colours, which is much easier to track on a working site.

Yes. The hard hat colour codes system is mandatory across all UK construction sites. The only exception is for Network Rail projects. Everyone else needs to follow Build UK’s guidelines.

There are consequences if you don’t. Construction sites have been shut down because employers have been found in breach of the colour code rules. Not only are these delays going to cost, but the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can also hand out fines for non-compliance.

And, of course, there’s the moral cost. Failing to follow the colour code system is failing to do everything you can to keep yourself and others safe on site.

The new system, which came into force in 2017, uses four hard hat colours.

Learn each of them, and you’ll be able to quickly determine the qualifications and experience levels of those around you on-site. So, in an emergency, you’ll know who to approach for help.

And it doesn’t just enable you to react to emergencies. The system can also help prevent incidents.

Colour codes help you spot when someone’s in the wrong place or doing something they’re not qualified for, giving you a chance to intervene before the worst happens.

Let’s start at the top – black hats are for supervisors and foremen.

If you need general assistance, look out for anyone wearing a black hard hat – they should be the most qualified and experienced on-site people.

White hard hats signal a few different roles, but all have one thing in common: seniority.

Anyone wearing a white hard hat should be one of the following:

• Site Manager
• Competent operative
• Vehicle marshal

You must look at how they dress to quickly tell the difference between white hat wearers.

Vehicle marshals must wear a distinct class 3 hi-vis jacket to differentiate themselves.

And while it’s not a requirement, site managers are likely to be dressed more formally than other workers.

Orange signals a slinger/signaller – a skilled position that requires expertise and training.

The people wearing orange hard hats might also have other skills – they might be a bricklayer, joiner or other skilled tradesperson. The orange colour of their hard hat tells you they also have the qualifications and expertise to act as a slinger or signaller on top of their other roles.

Blue hard hats act as a catch-all for everyone else. But similar to the white hard hats, they signal one common thing: a lack of experience on-site.

This means that blue hard hats should be given to any:

• Apprentices
• Visitors
• Architects
• Untrained workers
• Anyone else

Suppose you see a blue hat wearer unsupervised. In that case, you should check in with them and ensure they know where to go or have a more experienced colleague supervising them. Doing so might help prevent an accident.

Build UK’s guidelines cover four official colours, but there are two more you should be aware of: green and red.

The reasoning behind these colours makes them easy to remember:

• Green hard hat wearers are trained first aiders
• Red hard hat wearers are fire marshals

Some stickers signal these positions, which can be added to other hard hats if the individual has more than one responsibility or area of expertise.

Colour safety rules aren’t the only thing you must consider regarding hard hats.

General HSE guidance says that you must make sure any hard hats are:

• In good condition
• Worn by everyone on site (with one exception for religious beliefs)
• Fitted properly
• From a reputable supplier

You should note that hard hats naturally deteriorate over time. Manufacturers recommend an average lifespan of five years for most hard hats, so check the date yours was made (it should be stamped somewhere on the hat). Some hard hats also come with specially designed stickers that start to fade when it’s time to replace the hat.

Hard hats are mandatory safety measures, expected to be worn on every construction site in the UK. But, just like hard hats, site safety isn’t one-size-fits-all. Start with a good site risk assessment to ensure you do everything possible to keep your colleagues safe and your projects running smoothly.

And if you’re responsible for the risk assessment, you must be competent and know what you’re doing. Otherwise, hazards can be missed and you might be liable if anything goes wrong.

Our online Construction Risk Assessment Training will help you get up to speed with risk assessments and help you identify and control hazards on your site. You’ll learn the principles of risk assessment, including the terms, use of risk matrixes and how to properly apply the hierarchy of controls – all tailored to the construction industry.